Energy-efficient target tracking using forced handoffs in wireless sensor networks

An accurate, energy efficient strategy for target tracking in wireless sensor networks is proposed. An extended Kalman filter algorithm is used to improve tracking quality and reduce communication between sensors. At any time, only one sensor, called the leader, processes and tracks the target. A two phase technique is used to determine the leader. The first phase establishes the leader when a target first arrives in the network or when the leader is lost. The second phase is employed when a leader must handoff to another node because the target is leaving its sensing range.